Elaine Zelley, Ph.D.

Whether running through Valley Forge Park, reading on the beach, or hiking the horseshoe trail with her family, Elaine Zelley loves spending time outdoors. One of her “pet” projects—and most enthusiastic outdoor companion—is her pit bull, P.J. Elaine has also become an advocate for rescuing and rehabbing “bully breed” dogs.

Elaine teaches courses related to interpersonal communication and relationships—whether personal or professional—and she is fascinated by human interaction. Teaching how to negotiate conflicts and about ways to maintain relationships is all part of her day at La Salle. She is a co-author with Marianne Dainton of the widely used textbook Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life: A Practical Introduction.

Areas of Expertise
Interpersonal communication and friendship
Relationship maintenance
Communication theory

Education
Ph.D., Communication Arts & Sciences (formerly titled Speech Communication), The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
M.A., Communication Arts & Sciences (formerly titled Speech Communication), The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
B.A., Communications Arts, Ursinus College, Collegeville, PA
Teaching
Applied Communication Research
Applied Communication Theory
Communication Training & Development
Group & Team Communication
Leadership & Interpersonal Communication
Professional Communication Ethics

Research
Publications

Zelley, E. D., & Dougherty, K. (2010). Instructor’s Resource: A Teaching Site for Applying communication theory for professional life (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Dainton, M. D., & Zelley, E. D. (2006). Social Exchange Theories: Interdependence and Equity. In D.O. Braithwaite & L.A. Baxter (Eds.), Engaging theories in family communication: Multiple perspectives . Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Dainton, M.D., Zelley, E.D., & Langan, E. (2003). Maintaining friendships throughout the lifespan. In D.J. Canary & M.D. Dainton (Eds.), Maintaining relationships through communication: Relational, contextual, and cultural variations (pp. 79-102). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

Books

Dainton, M. D., & Zelley, E. D. (2010). Applying communication theory for professional life: A practical introduction (2 nd ed.) . Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Dainton, M. D., & Zelley, E. D. (2005). Applying communication theory for professional life: A practical introduction . Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Presentations

Zelley, E. D. (2011, April). The personal as professional: Examining professors’ s elf-disclosure in the communication classroom. Panel presentation for the Instructional Communication Division. Presented at the annual meeting of the Eastern Communication Association (ECA), Arlington, VA.

Zelley, E. D. (2010, April). Teaching “naked” or teaching “teched:” Technology in the communication classroom.Panel presentation for the Instructional Communication Division. Presented at the annual meeting of the Eastern Communication Association (ECA), Baltimore, MD.

Zelley, E. D. (2007, November). What Not to Wear: Sending Nonverbal Messages. Instructional training module presented for the Great Ideas for Teaching Students (GIFTS) Division. Presented at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association (NCA), Chicago, IL.